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Senior Civil & Structural Engineer Jobs in California

GFT.

Principal Civil / Structural Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Assists senior management in implementing business programs, and may manage organizational programs ... Expert-level knowledge of civil/structural engineering concepts, theories and practices.

GFT.

Principal Civil / Structural Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Assists senior management in implementing business programs, and may manage organizational programs ... Expert-level knowledge of civil/structural engineering concepts, theories and practices.

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Senior Civil Structural Engineer information

What does a senior civil & structural engineer do?

A Senior Civil & Structural Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of building structures and infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and water supply systems. They ensure that these structures are safe, stable, and compliant with relevant codes and regulations. Senior engineers often lead project teams, review technical drawings, conduct site inspections, and collaborate with clients, architects, and other engineers. Their expertise plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and safety of complex construction projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior civil & structural engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Civil & Structural Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of structural analysis, design principles, construction methods, and a relevant engineering degree with professional licensure (e.g., PE or Chartered Engineer). Mastery of technical tools like AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD.Pro, and project management software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and interacting with stakeholders. These competencies ensure safe, efficient project delivery and uphold industry standards in complex engineering environments.

What are some typical challenges a senior civil & structural engineer faces when managing large-scale projects?

Senior Civil & Structural Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with complex regulatory standards, and managing tight project deadlines. Balancing design integrity with budget constraints and adapting to unexpected site conditions are also common hurdles. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as these engineers frequently liaise with clients, contractors, and junior engineers to ensure project milestones are met and quality standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Senior Civil & Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectSenior Civil & Structural EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a PE license, advanced degrees, and extensive experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering; licensure preferred but not always required
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee projects, lead teams, and coordinate with clientsAssist in design, calculations, site inspections, and project support
Industry UsageUsed in complex projects, leadership roles, and consulting firmsEntry to mid-level roles in construction, consulting, and design firms

The main difference between a Senior Civil & Structural Engineer and a Civil Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and qualifications. Senior engineers typically lead projects, have advanced credentials, and oversee teams, while civil engineers focus on supporting design and construction tasks. Both roles are essential in the civil engineering industry, but senior positions require more expertise and leadership skills.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Civil & Structural Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Civil & Structural Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Civil & Structural Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Civil & Structural Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Civil & Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Civil & Structural Engineer job openings:

Senior Civil Structural Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Civil & Structural Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Civil/Structural Engineer

SPEC SERVICES INC.

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$110K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About SPEC Services

SPEC Services is a 200+ person engineering services firm with more than 45 years supporting the energy sector. We are known for practical solutions, responsive service, and long-standing client relationships, with a culture focused on technical excellence and doing the work the right way in operating and brownfield environments.

Summary of the Role

As a Senior Civil/Structural Engineer, you will serve as a lead for civil and structural engineering projects supporting industrial, energy, utility, and infrastructure clients. You will lead analysis, design, detailing, drawing production, technical documentation, permitting support, and client coordination for multi-discipline projects. This role is ideal for a licensed Professional Engineer having 8 years of experience, with strong technical judgment, clear communication skills, and the ability to build trusted client relationships while helping identify, pursue, and win additional work.

What Sets This Role Apart

  • Technical Leadership: Lead complex civil/structural design work with direct influence over technical approach, quality, and execution.
  • Client-Facing Impact: Work directly with clients, contractors, permitting agencies, and internal teams to solve practical engineering problems.
  • Project Variety: Support foundations, steel structures, platforms, pipe supports, site development, grading, drainage, and permitting for real-world industrial projects.

Key Responsibilities

Civil/Structural Engineering Leadership

  • Serve as the civil/structural engineering lead on assigned multi-discipline projects.
  • Prepare engineering calculations for concrete foundations, steel structures, anchorage, and related systems, including seismic and wind loading analyses.
  • Provide structural steel and concrete design, including pipe and cable tray supports, canopies, equipment platforms, access platforms, stairs, walkways, industrial buildings, pipe bridges, and foundations for equipment, buildings, tanks, vessels, light poles, and related structures.
  • Lead or support grading and drainage design, site development, stormwater hydraulics, and related civil design activities.
  • Apply sound engineering judgment and applicable codes and standards, including CBC/IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, and related civil/structural requirements.
  • Use engineering tools, including finite element analysis software such as RISA-3D.

Drawing Production, Permitting, and Documentation

  • Work closely with designers and drafters to develop complete, coordinated, and accurate civil/structural drawing packages.
  • Support permitting efforts by preparing submittals, reviewing agency comments, and providing responses related to civil/structural plans and calculations.
  • Prepare reports, proposals, and other technical documentation.

Client Leadership and Business Development

  • Communicate clearly with clients, internal project teams, contractors, and permitting agencies.
  • Build and maintain client trust through responsive communication, practical solutions, and reliable delivery.
  • Identify client needs and help develop scopes, budgets, and proposals for additional civil/structural work.
  • Support business development efforts by participating in client discussions, technical presentations, and proposal preparation.

Reporting & Organizational Fit

This position reports to civil/structural department manager and works closely with project managers, other discipline leads, designers, and client-facing teams. You’ll be part of a practical, technically strong engineering organization that values ownership, responsive communication, and high-quality work in operating and brownfield environments. 

Location & Work Schedule

This hybrid role supports SPEC’s Fountain Valley office and offers a flexible 9/80 work schedule. The position includes local project site visits for data gathering, field verification, coordination, and inspections, with occasional travel to other project locations as needed.

What You Bring

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly to clients, reviewers, contractors, and internal teams.
  • A strong technical foundation in concrete, structural steel, foundations, seismic design, wind design, and industrial civil/structural engineering.
  • A practical, collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to engineering and project execution.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering required, with an emphasis in Structural Engineering preferred.
  • Valid California Professional Engineer license required.
  • Demonstrated experience designing concrete, steel, foundation, anchorage, and related civil/structural systems.
  • Engineering experience supporting industrial, energy, utility, or infrastructure projects preferred.

Skills and Attributes

  • Strong working knowledge of concrete, structural steel, foundation design, anchorage, grading, drainage, and related civil/structural engineering requirements.
  • Knowledge of seismic and wind design provisions in applicable codes and standards, including CBC/IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI.
  • Experience using finite element analysis tools such as RISA-3D.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Certifications

  • Additional state PE licenses are a plus.

Work With Impact. Rewards That Support You.

At SPEC Services, you’ll work directly with experienced professionals and clients on civil/structural engineering projects that support critical infrastructure and operating facilities. Our work is grounded in technical quality, practical problem solving, responsive communication, and long-term client relationships built on reliable delivery. 
 
We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; long-term disability coverage; a 401(k) with profit sharing; and, for this position, performance-based incentives.

Equal Opportunity

SPEC Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to maintaining a workplace grounded in fairness, respect, and equal opportunity.

Employment Eligibility 

This is a drug‑free workplace. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required.

Salary Range: $95-157K

Apply